The Decline in Commute

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced and accelerated many changes to individual and collective mobility behavior. Among the potentially most significant for cities, remote and alternative work arrangements became more widespread as social distancing guidelines, avoidance of crowded spaces, and a desire to flee dense urban areas influenced decision-making in the early stages of the pandemic. It has been argued that the COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in a more durable, and, due to the proliferation of productivity technologies, sustainable work transition. However, the shift to remote work is not equally distributed across populations, places, or occupations. This study analyzes the shift in commute patterns from 2019 to 2022 and the effects on work-related activity in employment centers in cities across the U.S as a measure of local and regional economic resilience.